GM Communications
Detroit, Michigan, USA
media.gm.com
For Immediate Release
2008 HUMMER H2 and H2 SUT Deliver Greater Capability and
Comfort, Retain Iconic Design

All-new 6.2L V-8 and six-speed automatic combination delivers more power and
efficiency

All-new interior features refined, premium appointments, all-new instrument panel and
more comfortable seats with a full third row

New standard safety features include an electronic stability control system with
rollover mitigation technology, panic brake assist and roof rail head curtain side air
bags with rollover sensing system
GENEVA – The 2008 HUMMER H2 and H2 SUT have a completely redesigned, more refined
interior that combines luxury with HUMMER's legendary ruggedness; enhanced safety features
and a more powerful engine that is coupled with a new, six-speed automatic transmission. The
new powertrain combination improves efficiency when compared with previous models.
The heart of the '08 H2 is a new, 6.2L V-8 engine that uses variable valve timing technology to
maximize performance and fuel efficiency. Its preliminary rating of 398 hp (293 kW) marks an
increase of about 20 percent over the previous engine and is combined with 574 Nm of torque.
The engine also features lightweight materials, including an aluminum cylinder block, which
helps reduce the vehicle's overall mass.
A new six-speed 6L80 RWD electronically controlled automatic transmission backs the 6.2L
engine. The six-speed automatic has a wide overall ratio – including two overdrive gears – that
helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy. Also, the 6L80 has a "tap
up/tap down" capability that allows the driver to manually select upshifts and downshifts with a
button on the column shifter.
Driving experience
The new powertrain combination helps the 2008 H2 and H2 SUT deliver an additional 771 kg in
towing capacity – an increase from 2,948 kg to 3,727 kg. A host of additional powertrain
revisions also contributes to the H2's improved performance and efficiency, including:
• Larger-capacity cooling system complements larger, more powerful engine
• Electric engine cooling fans reduce "drag" on engine, enabling more horsepower
• Regulated voltage control maximizes fuel economy by charging electrical components only
when necessary
• New LAN electrical architecture is more efficient and uses less electrical energy
• Standard 3.73 rear axle ratio
Off-road capability is also enhanced by the new powertrain. The 6L80 transmission's tap up/tap
down feature provides more control on grades and it offers automatic grade braking. It also
improves the off-road crawl ratio to approximately 39:1 – an improvement of about 20 percent.
The transfer case is improved in the '08 H2; it is stronger with improved performance. A new
traction control system also is standard, which helps ensure sure-footed traction.
Driving performance off the road or on is enhanced by a revised steering gear that has a quicker
ratio and improved on-center returnability. The driving experience also is quieter and more
refined, thanks to new, tuned air intake and exhaust systems.
All-new, luxury-appointed interior
While drivers will feel the '08 H2's improved performance on the road, they'll equally appreciate
the all-new interior. It features a completely redesigned instrument panel, new seats – including
a full third-row seat for two passengers – and new door trim panels, controls, rear-seat
heating/air conditioning system, rear-seat overhead DVD entertainment system and a family of
premium radios.
Seats in the H2 have a more chiseled appearance and offer improved comfort. In fact,
HUMMER engineers focused on every detail to improve interior comfort. For example, the front
seat safety belts are now mounted to the vehicle's B-pillars rather than to the seats themselves.
This change enabled engineers to comfort-tune the seats without making compromises. Front
seat safety belt pretensioners are new, too, and are standard.
Complementing the new seats are new door trim panels and an all-new instrument panel and
six-gauge instrument cluster that features a more refined appearance and better tolerances. In
fact, the new interior is designed with interior gap tolerances of one millimeter or less. Soft-touch
materials and more tactile controls enhance the feeling of hand-craftsmanship.
A new center stack houses the climate controls and a new family of GM radios – including a
standard premium Bose audio system and an available surround sound system. The instrument
panel also features larger vents that enhance heating or cooling comfort throughout the vehicle
– particularly for the second- and third-row seats.
Numerous available comfort and convenience features are either new or carried over into the
'08 H2, such as a new rear-seat overhead DVD entertainment system, a navigation system, a
rear-view camera system and heated windshield washer fluid.
Safety standard
Complementing the H2 lineup's performance and comfort changes are enhancements to the
safety system. They include several new standard features:
• Roof rail head curtain side air bags for first-, second- and third-row passengers with rollover
sensing system
• Safety belt pretensioners (first-row seats)
• Electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
• New traction control system
• Tire pressure monitoring system
Also new is a panic brake assist feature – the first application for a full-size GM truck or SUV –
which detects emergency braking situations and maintains maximum brake pressure to help
stop the vehicle more quickly and with more control. It is a standard feature on all H2 models.
Additional optional features that contribute to a safer driving experience include HUMMER's
Rear Vision System – a rearview camera system – and a navigation system.
Exterior enhancements
All 2008 H2 models are distinguished from previous models with functional changes that
maintain HUMMER's instantly recognizable design identify. The iconic, seven-slot grille features
larger openings and the lower grille also is enlarged, accommodating the cooling needs of the
more powerful 6.2L V-8 engines. The lower bumpers on '08 models are painted silver (previous
models had black lower bumpers).
The soul of a HUMMER
While the '08 H2 is offered with a new powertrain and interior, its foundation remains the same:
a fully welded ladder-type frame that features a modular, three-piece design incorporating a
number of hydroformed components. This design delivers outstanding strength, stiffness and
dimensional accuracy.
The H2 has short overhangs for radical approach and departure angles, along with exceptional
ground clearance for minimal impact on trails. Standard 17-inch wheels, heavy-duty
independent front suspension and a five-link rear suspension provide superior handling,
carrying and towing capability.
The solid rear axle ensures durable sure-footedness, particularly in tight, off-road situations.
Also standard is underbody protection and rocker protection. These elements help the H2
deliver on HUMMER's mantra of capability, including traveling through streams 508 mm deep,
climbing 406-mm steps and rocks and paddling through deep sand or snow.
A new, four-channel anti-lock braking/traction control system (ABS/TCS) provides optimum
control on slippery surfaces. In addition, the ABS can detect and adjust its braking capabilities to
rough off-road surfaces like gravel and potholes. The TCS also includes the ability to gain
traction through a single wheel if necessary, and more wheel slip in a second traction control
mode for sand and desert racing conditions. A self-leveling rear air spring suspension system is
available for extreme off-road and towing requirements.
H2 SUT – maximum utility and fun
Like the H2, the H2 SUT carries passengers and cargo, but does so with a twist: an open cargo
bed enables convenient storage of larger items. When cargo requires more space, a 1.22 metre
by 2.44 metre pickup bed can be created by powering the rear window into the Midgate, then
folding forward the Midgate and rear seat. With four passengers on board, the bulkhead at the
rear of the SUT's passenger compartment remains upright, still providing ample cargo-carrying
capacity.
Practicality aside, the H2 SUT also offers an open, invigorating driving experience. At the push
of a single button, the driver can lower all four side windows and the rear window. Using a
separate switch, the standard sunroof can also be opened, giving SUT a truly open-air feeling.
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Contacts:
Dick P. Braakhekke
Cadillac, Corvette and HUMMER Europe Public Relations
Phone: +31 (0) 346-258-627
E-mail: dbraakhekke@cch-europe.com
Klaus-Peter Martin
GM Global Product Communications
Phone: +1-313-665-3168
E-mail klaus-peter.martin@gm.com
Dayna Hart
GM Global Product Communications
Phone: +1-313-667-0092
E-mail: dayna.hart@gm.com